William Anton Hansel

The sweetest, most beloved brother on earth, left on January 11th, 2017, for a journey to meet with His angels, family and friends at Heaven's gate. William Anton "BUNNY" Hansel was born on November 29th, 1949, to William Edward and Jane Genevieve (Johnson) Hansel at Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was the fourth William Hansel in our lineage, each named after his two grandfathers. When our mother leaned she was expecting, she went to T.G. &Y in Brookside to purchase something to present to her husband to announce their news. She found a little pink and blue doll buggy, but the only doll that would fit inside was a little rabbit. Hence, during their expectant days, they referred to their baby as "Bunny". When Bunny finally arrived he had some troubles and this precious little baby struggled to thrive. Though doctors told the new parents that Bunny might not live to reach 5 years of age, our sweet Bunny made it all the way to the age of 67. Through his own determination, along with the love, devotion and perseverance of his family--his Daddy, Momma, grandmothers, great grandmother, great aunts and two sisters--Bunny has lived a full and happy life. Bunny Served as an inspiration to his sisters, who both became Special Education Teachers. Though public schools during his childhood provided nothing for the intellectually disabled, Bunny attended "Sunnyside School" at Children's Medical Center. When his father's health became an issue, Bunny moved to Woodland Park Home and on to Gatesway. Then with the advent of the "Home and Community-based Waiver", Bunny was able to move into the community, living in private homes with two other handicapped individuals and 24 hours staff. This was a much more pleasing way of life for Bunny as it was designed to reflect a more normal way of life and to give him the ability to spend time in his kitchen with staff and to be out-an-about in the community on a daily basis, which he loved. Though Benny never learned to talk, he could definitely communicate! Bunny loved being a youngster with access to his grandparent's home and boats in Gray's Hollow on Grand Lade to Grandpa Andy's Chris-Craft as well as his homemade cabin cruiser named "Sweetie Pie". Later Bunny and his family spent many happy hours at Dresser Engineering Company's (Dad's employer's) 'DoJaRo' Lodge on Lake Tenkiller. There Bunny spent hours and hours cruising in the front triangular seat of DoJaRo's little aluminum boats with his fingers trailing over the side adding his own ripples to the boat's wave. More hours were spent with his tiny hand on top of his father's big hand as our Dad safely guided us through life's waters. Bunny was always ready for a ride in the car, especially with a grocery list in hand, anxious for a trip to any grocery store, where he would already know the location of aisles containing the cake mixes and frosting. He especially loved Jello-brand Cheese cake mixes. Bunny loved our church, First Lutheran in Tulsa. His 'sign language' for the word church was the same as the one he used for 'music'...one index finger pointing upward and pressed over his lips..the universal sign for "Shhh! Be Quiet". He was always so happy to be in church that his giggles and laughs sometimes overpowered the minister. We are ever grateful to (now retired) Pastor Dean Maas, who called those chuckles "Bunny's Joyful Noise". Music was always present in our childhood home with Bunny's Fisher Price record player blaring out songs from hundreds of 33-rpm vinyl records, through which he could easily sift and select his favorite songs. He loved Christmas Carols and we heard them every month of the year. He also loved all church hymns, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Roger Miller, Marty Robbins, the Chipmunks, the Beatles and many more. You haven't truly heard music until you hear the Chipmunks at 78-rpm! Bunny is survived by his sisters, Mary Jane Hansel and Carol (Hansel) Thomas, brother-in-law, Lowell Thomas, niece, Lyn (and Ryan) Telford, one great nephew, Nick Thomas Telford and one great niece, Emily Rae Telford. We will be eternally grateful to employees of Compasus Hospice and to the staff and volunteers at Clarehouse, a Hospice Home, whose angels-on-earth aided us in Bunny's last journey to join Jesus and hi Heavenly Angels. In Lieu of flowers, donations to Clarehouse, may be sent to 7617 S. Mingo Road, Tulsa, OK. 74133 or made at https://clarehouse.wufoo.com/forms/zwsxlga1jp2cuk/. Bunny's life will be celebrated and honored during a private service at First Lutheran Church and Bunny will be laid to rest with his parents and near his paternal grandparents at Memorial Park Cemetery Until we meet again, Sweet Boy! We can't wait to hear you tell your stories and sing your favorite songs.

William Anton Hansel

November 29, 1949 - January 11, 2017